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Long Y, Mao C, Liu S, Tao Y, Xiao D. Epigenetic modifications in obesity-associated diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e496. [PMID: 38405061 PMCID: PMC10893559 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The global prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic levels, significantly elevating the susceptibility to various cardiometabolic conditions and certain types of cancer. In addition to causing metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance (IR), elevated blood glucose and lipids, and ectopic fat deposition, obesity can also damage pancreatic islet cells, endothelial cells, and cardiomyocytes through chronic inflammation, and even promote the development of a microenvironment conducive to cancer initiation. Improper dietary habits and lack of physical exercise are important behavioral factors that increase the risk of obesity, which can affect gene expression through epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic alterations can occur in early stage of obesity, some of which are reversible, while others persist over time and lead to obesity-related complications. Therefore, the dynamic adjustability of epigenetic modifications can be leveraged to reverse the development of obesity-associated diseases through behavioral interventions, drugs, and bariatric surgery. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the impact of epigenetic regulation on the initiation and development of obesity-associated cancers, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, establishing a theoretical basis for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqian Long
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Chao Mao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Department of Thoracic SurgerySecond Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
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2
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Zhang M, Wang X, Yang N, Zhu X, Lu Z, Cai Y, Li B, Zhu Y, Li X, Wei Y, Zhang S, Tian J, Miao X. Prioritization of risk genes in colorectal cancer by integrative analysis of multi-omics data and gene networks. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:132-148. [PMID: 37747674 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2439-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified over 140 colorectal cancer (CRC)-associated loci; however, target genes at the majority of loci and underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we utilized a Bayesian approach, integrative risk gene selector (iRIGS), to prioritize risk genes at CRC GWAS loci by integrating multi-omics data. As a result, a total of 105 high-confidence risk genes (HRGs) were identified, which exhibited strong gene dependencies for CRC and enrichment in the biological processes implicated in CRC. Among the 105 HRGs, CEBPB, located at the 20q13.13 locus, acted as a transcription factor playing critical roles in cancer. Our subsequent assays indicated the tumor promoter function of CEBPB that facilitated CRC cell proliferation by regulating multiple oncogenic pathways such as MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and Ras signaling. Next, by integrating a fine-mapping analysis and three independent case-control studies in Chinese populations consisting of 8,039 cases and 12,775 controls, we elucidated that rs1810503, a putative functional variant regulating CEBPB, was associated with CRC risk (OR=0.90, 95%CI=0.86-0.93, P=1.07×10-7). The association between rs1810503 and CRC risk was further validated in three additional multi-ancestry populations consisting of 24,254 cases and 58,741 controls. Mechanistically, the rs1810503 A to T allele change weakened the enhancer activity in an allele-specific manner to decrease CEBPB expression via long-range promoter-enhancer interactions, mediated by the transcription factor, REST, and thus decreased CRC risk. In summary, our study provides a genetic resource and a generalizable strategy for CRC etiology investigation, and highlights the biological implications of CEBPB in CRC tumorigenesis, shedding new light on the etiology of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Research Center of Public Health, Renmin hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Cancer Prevention and Control, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cancer Prevention, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Nan Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Research Center of Public Health, Renmin hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xu Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Zequn Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yimin Cai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xiangpan Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Yongchang Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Shaokai Zhang
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Cancer Prevention and Control, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cancer Prevention, Zhengzhou, 450008, China.
| | - Jianbo Tian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Research Center of Public Health, Renmin hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Xiaoping Miao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Research Center of Public Health, Renmin hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430073, China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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Tachibana T, Oyama TG, Yoshii Y, Hihara F, Igarashi C, Shinada M, Matsumoto H, Higashi T, Kishimoto T, Taguchi M. An In Vivo Dual-Observation Method to Monitor Tumor Mass and Tumor-Surface Blood Vessels for Developing Anti-Angiogenesis Agents against Submillimeter Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17234. [PMID: 38139063 PMCID: PMC10743531 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Managing metastasis at the early stage and detecting and treating submillimeter tumors at early metastasis are crucial for improving cancer prognosis. Angiogenesis is a critical target for developing drugs to detect and inhibit submillimeter tumor growth; however, drug development remains challenging because there are no suitable models for observing the submillimeter tumor mass and the surrounding blood vessels in vivo. We have established a xenograft subcutaneous submillimeter tumor mouse model with HT-29-RFP by transplanting a single spheroid grown on radiation-crosslinked gelatin hydrogel microwells. Here, we developed an in vivo dual-observation method to observe the submillimeter tumor mass and tumor-surface blood vessels using this model. RFP was detected to observe the tumor mass, and a fluorescent angiography agent FITC-dextran was administered to observe blood vessels via stereoscopic fluorescence microscopy. The anti-angiogenesis agent regorafenib was used to confirm the usefulness of this method. This method effectively detected the submillimeter tumor mass and tumor-surface blood vessels in vivo. Regorafenib treatment revealed tumor growth inhibition and angiogenesis downregulation with reduced vascular extremities, segments, and meshes. Further, we confirmed that tumor-surface blood vessel areas monitored using in vivo dual-observation correlated with intratumoral blood vessel areas observed via fluorescence microscopy with frozen sections. In conclusion, this method would be useful in developing anti-angiogenesis agents against submillimeter tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Tachibana
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Chiba 263-8555, Japan; (F.H.); (C.I.); (M.S.); (H.M.); (T.H.)
- Faculty of Science, Toho University, Chiba 274-8510, Japan;
| | - Tomoko Gowa Oyama
- Foundational Quantum Technology Research Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Gunma 370-1292, Japan; (T.G.O.); (M.T.)
| | - Yukie Yoshii
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Chiba 263-8555, Japan; (F.H.); (C.I.); (M.S.); (H.M.); (T.H.)
- Visible Cancer Drug Research Unit, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Fukiko Hihara
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Chiba 263-8555, Japan; (F.H.); (C.I.); (M.S.); (H.M.); (T.H.)
| | - Chika Igarashi
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Chiba 263-8555, Japan; (F.H.); (C.I.); (M.S.); (H.M.); (T.H.)
| | - Mitsuhiro Shinada
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Chiba 263-8555, Japan; (F.H.); (C.I.); (M.S.); (H.M.); (T.H.)
- Faculty of Science, Toho University, Chiba 274-8510, Japan;
| | - Hiroki Matsumoto
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Chiba 263-8555, Japan; (F.H.); (C.I.); (M.S.); (H.M.); (T.H.)
| | - Tatsuya Higashi
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Chiba 263-8555, Japan; (F.H.); (C.I.); (M.S.); (H.M.); (T.H.)
| | | | - Mitsumasa Taguchi
- Foundational Quantum Technology Research Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Gunma 370-1292, Japan; (T.G.O.); (M.T.)
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Wang S, Chen J, Li P, Chen Y. LINC01133 can induce acquired ferroptosis resistance by enhancing the FSP1 mRNA stability through forming the LINC01133-FUS-FSP1 complex. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:767. [PMID: 38007473 PMCID: PMC10676390 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06311-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Due to a lack of research on the critical non-coding RNAs in regulating ferroptosis, our study aimed to uncover the crucial ones involved in the process. We found that LINC01133 could make pancreatic cancer cells more resistant to ferroptosis. A higher expression of LINC01133 was associated with a higher IC50 of sorafenib in clinical samples. Furthermore, we discovered that LINC01133 induced this process through enhancing the mRNA stability of FSP1. CEBPB was the transcription factor to increase the expression of LINC01133. A higher CEBPB could also indicate a higher IC50 of sorafenib in patients with cancer. Moreover, we confirmed that LINC01133 could form a triple complex with FUS and FSP1 to increase the mRNA stability of FSP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaowen Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
- Neuromedicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518053, China
| | - Jionghuang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Pengping Li
- Department of Thyroid & Breast Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Xiaoshan District, Xiaoshan Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yangchao Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong.
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518087, China.
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5
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Huang HJ, Lee YH, Sung LC, Chen YJ, Chiu YJ, Chiu HW, Zheng CM. Drug repurposing screens to identify potential drugs for chronic kidney disease by targeting prostaglandin E2 receptor. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:3490-3502. [PMID: 37484490 PMCID: PMC10362296 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal inflammation and fibrosis are significantly correlated with the deterioration of kidney function and result in chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, current therapies only delay disease progression and have limited treatment effects. Hence, the development of innovative therapeutic approaches to mitigate the progression of CKD has become an attractive issue. To date, the incidence of CKD is still increasing, and the biomarkers of the pathophysiologic processes of CKD are not clear. Therefore, the identification of novel therapeutic targets associated with the progression of CKD is an attractive issue. It is a critical necessity to discover new therapeutics as nephroprotective strategies to stop CKD progression. In this research, we focus on targeting a prostaglandin E2 receptor (EP2) as a nephroprotective strategy for the development of additional anti-inflammatory or antifibrotic strategies for CKD. The in silico study identified that ritodrine, dofetilide, dobutamine, and citalopram are highly related to EP2 from the results of chemical database virtual screening. Furthermore, we found that the above four candidate drugs increased the activation of autophagy in human kidney cells, which also reduced the expression level of fibrosis and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. It is hoped that these findings of the four candidates with anti-NLRP3 inflammasome activation and antifibrotic effects will lead to the development of novel therapies for patients with CKD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Jin Huang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Lee
- Department of Cosmeceutics, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chin Sung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jie Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jhe Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Wen Chiu
- TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University
| | - Cai-Mei Zheng
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
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Targeting Transcription Factors ATF5, CEBPB and CEBPD with Cell-Penetrating Peptides to Treat Brain and Other Cancers. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040581. [PMID: 36831248 PMCID: PMC9954556 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing novel therapeutics often follows three steps: target identification, design of strategies to suppress target activity and drug development to implement the strategies. In this review, we recount the evidence identifying the basic leucine zipper transcription factors ATF5, CEBPB, and CEBPD as targets for brain and other malignancies. We describe strategies that exploit the structures of the three factors to create inhibitory dominant-negative (DN) mutant forms that selectively suppress growth and survival of cancer cells. We then discuss and compare four peptides (CP-DN-ATF5, Dpep, Bpep and ST101) in which DN sequences are joined with cell-penetrating domains to create drugs that pass through tissue barriers and into cells. The peptide drugs show both efficacy and safety in suppressing growth and in the survival of brain and other cancers in vivo, and ST101 is currently in clinical trials for solid tumors, including GBM. We further consider known mechanisms by which the peptides act and how these have been exploited in rationally designed combination therapies. We additionally discuss lacunae in our knowledge about the peptides that merit further research. Finally, we suggest both short- and long-term directions for creating new generations of drugs targeting ATF5, CEBPB, CEBPD, and other transcription factors for treating brain and other malignancies.
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Matherne MG, Phillips ES, Embrey SJ, Burke CM, Machado HL. Emerging functions of C/EBPβ in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1111522. [PMID: 36761942 PMCID: PMC9905667 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1111522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast tumorigenesis relies on complex interactions between tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment, orchestrated by tightly regulated transcriptional networks. C/EBPβ is a key transcription factor that regulates the proliferation and differentiation of multiple cell types and modulates a variety of biological processes such as tissue homeostasis and the immune response. In addition, C/EBPβ has well-established roles in mammary gland development, is overexpressed in breast cancer, and has tumor-promoting functions. In this review, we discuss context-specific roles of C/EBPβ during breast tumorigenesis, isoform-specific gene regulation, and regulation of the tumor immune response. We present challenges in C/EBPβ biology and discuss the importance of C/EBPβ isoform-specific gene regulation in devising new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan G. Matherne
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Emily S. Phillips
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Samuel J. Embrey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Caitlin M. Burke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Heather L. Machado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States,Tulane Cancer Center, Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, New Orleans, LA, United States,*Correspondence: Heather L. Machado,
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Palmitic Acid Inhibits the Growth and Metastasis of Gastric Cancer by Blocking the STAT3 Signaling Pathway. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020388. [PMID: 36672337 PMCID: PMC9856364 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipidomic analyses have suggested that palmitic acid (PA) is linked to gastric cancer. However, its effects and action mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of PA on cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis in human gastric cancer, as well as the role of p-STAT3 in mediating its effects. The results of the MTT and colony formation assays revealed that PA blocked gastric cancer cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. The EdU-DNA assay indicated that 50 μM of PA could block gastric cell proliferation by 30.6-80.0%. The Transwell assay also confirmed the concentration dependence of PA-induced inhibitory effect on cell invasion. The flow cytometry analysis indicated that PA treatment for 18 h could induce gastric cancer cell apoptosis. The immunohistochemical staining revealed that p-STAT3 levels were higher in the gastric cancer tissues than in the control tissues. We demonstrated that PA treatment for 12 h decreased the expressions of p-STAT3, p-JAK2, N-cadherin, and vimentin, and inhibited the nuclear expression of p-STAT3 in gastric cancer cells. Finally, PA treatment (50 mg/kg) decreased gastric cancer growth (54.3%) in the xenograft models. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that PA inhibits cell proliferation and invasion and induces human gastric cancer cell apoptosis.
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9
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Zhang L, Chen W, Liu S, Chen C. Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:552-570. [PMID: 36632469 PMCID: PMC9830502 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.76187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential roles of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) in tumor initiation and recurrence have been recognized for many decades. Due to their strong capacity for self-renewal and differentiation, BCSCs are the major reasons for poor clinical outcomes and low therapeutic response. Several hypotheses on the origin of cancer stem cells have been proposed, including critical gene mutations in stem cells, dedifferentiation of somatic cells, and cell plasticity remodeling by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, the tumor microenvironment, including cellular components and cytokines, modulates the self-renewal and therapeutic resistance of BCSCs. Small molecules, antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells targeting BCSCs have been developed, and their applications in combination with conventional therapies are undergoing clinical trials. In this review, we focus on the features of BCSCs, emphasize the major factors and tumor environment that regulate the stemness of BCSCs, and discuss potential BCSC-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering; Cancer Institutes; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai; The Shanghai paracrine Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology; The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology; Shanghai Medical College; Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenmin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650201, China.,Kunming College of Life Sciences, the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Suling Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering; Cancer Institutes; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai; The Shanghai paracrine Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology; The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology; Shanghai Medical College; Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Ceshi Chen, E-mail: or Suling Liu, E-mail:
| | - Ceshi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650201, China.,Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China.,The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Ceshi Chen, E-mail: or Suling Liu, E-mail:
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10
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Martin-Perez M, Urdiroz-Urricelqui U, Bigas C, Benitah SA. The role of lipids in cancer progression and metastasis. Cell Metab 2022; 34:1675-1699. [PMID: 36261043 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Lipids have essential biological functions in the body (e.g., providing energy storage, acting as a signaling molecule, and being a structural component of membranes); however, an excess of lipids can promote tumorigenesis, colonization, and metastatic capacity of tumor cells. To metastasize, a tumor cell goes through different stages that require lipid-related metabolic and structural adaptations. These adaptations include altering the lipid membrane composition for invading other niches and overcoming cell death mechanisms and promoting lipid catabolism and anabolism for energy and oxidative stress protective purposes. Cancer cells also harness lipid metabolism to modulate the activity of stromal and immune cells to their advantage and to resist therapy and promote relapse. All this is especially worrying given the high fat intake in Western diets. Thus, metabolic interventions aiming to reduce lipid availability to cancer cells or to exacerbate their metabolic vulnerabilities provide promising therapeutic opportunities to prevent cancer progression and treat metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Martin-Perez
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Uxue Urdiroz-Urricelqui
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Claudia Bigas
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salvador Aznar Benitah
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain.
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11
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Shao F, Mao H, Luo T, Li Q, Xu L, Xie Y. HPGDS is a novel prognostic marker associated with lipid metabolism and aggressiveness in lung adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:894485. [PMID: 36324576 PMCID: PMC9618883 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.894485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common respiratory globallywith a poor prognosis. Lipid metabolism is extremely important for the occurrence and development of cancer. However, the role of genes involved in lipid metabolism in LUAD development is unclear. We aimed to identify the abnormal lipid metabolism pathway of LUAD, construct a novel prognostic model of LUAD, and discover novel biomarkers involved in lipid metabolism in LUAD. METHODS Based on differentially expressed genes involved in lipid metabolism in LUAD samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), abnormal lipid metabolism pathways in LUAD were analyzed. The lasso penalized regression analysis was performed on the TCGA cohort (training set) to construct a risk score formula. The predictive ability of the risk score was validated in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset (validation set) using Kaplan-Meier analysis and ROC curves. Finally, based on CRISPR gene editing technology, hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (HPGDS) was knocked out in A549 cell lines, the changes in lipid metabolism-related markers were detected by western blotting, and the changes in cell migration were detected by transwell assay. RESULTS Based on the differential genes between lung cancer tissue and normal tissue, we found that the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway is an abnormal lipid metabolism pathway in both lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma. Based on the sample information of TCGA and abnormally expressed lipid metabolism-related genes, a 9-gene prognostic risk score was successfully constructed and validated in the GEO dataset. Finally, we found that knockdown of HPGDS in A549 cell lines promoted lipid synthesis and is more invasive than in control cells. Rescue assays showed that ACSL1 knockdown reversed the pro-migration effects of HPGDS knockdown. The knockdown of HPGDS promoted migration response by upregulating the expression of the lipid metabolism key enzymes ACSL1 and ACC. CONCLUSION The genes involved in lipid metabolism are associated with the occurrence and development of LUAD. HPGDS can be a therapeutic target of a potential lipid metabolism pathway in LUAD, and the therapeutic target of lipid metabolism genes in LUAD should be studied further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengling Shao
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, The College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huajie Mao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Xi’an, Xi’an, China
| | - Tengling Luo
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qijun Li
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yajun Xie
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, The College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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12
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Piperigkou Z, Koutsandreas A, Franchi M, Zolota V, Kletsas D, Passi A, Karamanos NK. ESR2 Drives Mesenchymal-to-Epithelial Transition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Tumorigenesis In Vivo. Front Oncol 2022; 12:917633. [PMID: 35719919 PMCID: PMC9203970 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.917633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptors (ERs) have pivotal roles in the development and progression of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Interactions among cancer cells and tumor microenvironment are orchestrated by the extracellular matrix that is rapidly emerging as prominent contributor of fundamental processes of breast cancer progression. Early studies have correlated ERβ expression in tumor sites with a more aggressive clinical outcome, however ERβ exact role in the progression of TNBC remains to be elucidated. Herein, we introduce the functional role of ERβ suppression following isolation of monoclonal cell populations of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells transfected with shRNA against human ESR2 that permanently resulted in 90% reduction of ERβ mRNA and protein levels. Further, we demonstrate that clone selection results in strongly reduced levels of the aggressive functional properties of MDA-MB-231 cells, by transforming their morphological characteristics, eliminating the mesenchymal-like traits of triple-negative breast cancer cells. Monoclonal populations of shERβ MDA-MB-231 cells undergo universal matrix reorganization and pass on a mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition state. These striking changes are encompassed by the total prevention of tumorigenesis in vivo following ERβ maximum suppression and isolation of monoclonal cell populations in TNBC cells. We propose that these novel findings highlight the promising role of ERβ targeting in future pharmaceutical approaches for managing the metastatic dynamics of TNBC breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoi Piperigkou
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis and Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.,Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH)/Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICE-HT), Patras, Greece
| | - Anastasios Koutsandreas
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis and Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Marco Franchi
- Department for Life Quality Study, University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Vasiliki Zolota
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kletsas
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research (N.C.S.R). "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Alberto Passi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Nikos K Karamanos
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis and Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.,Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH)/Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICE-HT), Patras, Greece
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13
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Ferreri C, Sansone A, Chatgilialoglu C, Ferreri R, Amézaga J, Burgos MC, Arranz S, Tueros I. Critical Review on Fatty Acid-Based Food and Nutraceuticals as Supporting Therapy in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116030. [PMID: 35682708 PMCID: PMC9181022 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids have an important place in both biological and nutritional contexts and, from a clinical point of view, they have known consequences for diseases’ onset and development, including cancer. The use of fatty acid-based food and nutraceuticals to support cancer therapy is a multidisciplinary subject, involving molecular and clinical research. Knowledge regarding polyunsaturated fatty acids essentiality/oxidizability and the role of lipogenesis-desaturase pathways for cell growth, as well as oxidative reactivity in cancer cells, are discussed, since they can drive the choice of fatty acids using their multiple roles to support antitumoral drug activity. The central role of membrane fatty acid composition is highlighted for the application of membrane lipid therapy. As fatty acids are also known as biomarkers of cancer onset and progression, the personalization of the fatty acid-based therapy is also possible, taking into account other important factors such as formulation, bioavailability and the distribution of the supplementation. A holistic approach emerges combining nutra- and pharma-strategies in an appropriate manner, to develop further knowledge and applications in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ferreri
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (A.S.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Sansone
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (A.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Chryssostomos Chatgilialoglu
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (A.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Rosaria Ferreri
- Department of Integrated Medicine, Tuscany Reference Centre for Integrated Medicine in the Hospital Pathway, Pitigliano Hospital, ASL Sudest Toscana, 58017 Pitigliano, Italy;
| | - Javier Amézaga
- AZTI, Food Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 609, 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.A.); (M.C.B.); (S.A.); (I.T.)
| | - Mercedes Caro Burgos
- AZTI, Food Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 609, 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.A.); (M.C.B.); (S.A.); (I.T.)
| | - Sara Arranz
- AZTI, Food Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 609, 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.A.); (M.C.B.); (S.A.); (I.T.)
| | - Itziar Tueros
- AZTI, Food Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 609, 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.A.); (M.C.B.); (S.A.); (I.T.)
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14
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Multifunctional Role of Lipids in Modulating the Tumorigenic Properties of 4T1 Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084240. [PMID: 35457057 PMCID: PMC9024985 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor growth and progression are linked to an altered lipid metabolism in the tumor microenvironment (TME), including tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). A growing number of lipid metabolism targeting drugs have shown efficacy in anti-tumor therapy. In addition, exogenously applied lipids and lipid analogues have demonstrated anti-tumor activities in several cancers, including breast cancer. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor efficacies of the natural lipids palmitic acid (PA), sphingomyelin (SM), ceramide (Cer) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on breast cancer cells. All tested lipids reduced the malignancy of breast cancer cells in vitro by impairing cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness. PA showed superior anti-tumor properties, as it additionally impaired cancer cell viability by inducing apoptosis, without affecting healthy cells. Co-culture experiments further demonstrated that Cer and PA reduced the immunosuppressive phenotype of M2 macrophages and the M2 macrophage-promoted the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migration of breast cancer cells. At the molecular level, this coincided with the up-regulation of E-cadherin. Our results highlight a powerful role for exogenously applied PA and Cer in reducing breast cancer tumorigenicity by simultaneously targeting cancer cells and M2 macrophages. Our findings support the notion that lipids represent alternative biocompatible therapeutic agents for breast cancer.
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